Paul Millsap trade rumors suggest a Utah Jazz trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves could take place. The Millsap trade would likely involve Derrick Williams heading to Minnesota according to a report from ESPN on Wednesday (Feb. 20). That doesn't sound like a very even trade, so there probably needs to be additional components coming from Minnesota in that possible deal.
Millsap is available due to the depth at power forward and center that Utah has. He is averaging 30.5 minutes, 15 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season. Those numbers could get even better if he doesn't have to share as many minutes with a new team. Millsap is definitely a player who could easily play 36-38 minutes a night and continue putting up good numbers.
The trick to a Utah Jazz trade is that the team has to get back a component that can help this season. The team is 31-24 and just three games out of the fifth playoff spot in the Western Conference. At home they are one of the best teams in basketball, having posted a 21-6 record there so far. This shows that the team has enough talent to compete now and that the front office isn't looking to just break down the team for nothing in return.
These Paul Millsap trade rumors are coming up because he is a free agent at the end of the season and Utah doesn't want to pay him the huge salary he is about to command. He is definitely a player worth that kind of money, but the depth in Utah makes him expendable. This is where a team needs to step up and make a trade to acquire Millsap and then give him a nice contract extension.
Fantasy basketball owners should also be hoping he gets traded because it is very likely he will get more minutes on any other team. That would increase his value quite a bit and allow for teams to gain momentum down the stretch. Though it's hard to pin down exactly what Utah is looking for, the team could use a point guard in return. Minnesota might be able to offer Luke Ridnour, but Ricky Rubio is probably off the table.
The Utah front office has been pretty quiet about possible deals in the past, so it's also possible that they are working on something that will shock fans when it goes down.
More Fantasy Basketball News:
Kevin Garnett Trade to LA Clippers Addressed
OKC Thunder Trade With Phoenix Suns?
Comments